TURKS PROTEST AT FRENCH EMBASSY IN BUCHAREST OVER ‘GENOCIDE’ BILL
Agence France Presse — English
October 18, 2006 Wednesday 1:31 PM GMT
Some 30 Turkish residents in Romania demonstrated Wednesday outside
France’s embassy in Bucharest against a French bill making it a crime
to deny Ottoman Turks committed genocide against Armenians.
They held up banners in French saying that politicians should not
legislate on historical truth.
The Mediafax news agency said that some of the demonstrators left a
letter of protest at the embassy.
The bill, which needs to be approved by the French senate and president
to become a law, provides for a year in jail for anyone who denies
that the World War I massacres of Armenians amounted to genocide.
It was voted by the lower house of the French parliament Thursday.
Armenians claim up to 1.5 million of their kin were slaughtered in
orchestrated killings between 1915 and 1917.
Turkey categorically rejects the genocide label, arguing that
300,000 Armenians and at least as many Turks died in civil strife
when Armenians rose for independence in eastern Anatolia and sided
with invading Russian troops as the Ottoman Empire was falling apart.

Armenian Prelacy Eastern USA
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 689-7810
Fax: (212) 689-7168
Press Release
For Immediate Release ~ October 17, 2006 – (212) 689-7810
A gathering with His Holiness Aram I, December 1-3 in Dearborn, MI
New York, NY – Young adults ages 18-30 should mark their calendars
for Armenian Church 2006: Your Church. Your Future. Engage. – an
unprecedented gathering with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia, scheduled to take place December 1-3 in
Dearborn, MI.
According to Program Committee co-chair Nayiri Baljian, the event is
intended to “provide an opportunity for American- and
Canadian-Armenians to learn about their heritage of faith and to
experience some of the best of what the Armenian Church has to
offer.” A variety of media, including live speakers, film, music,
and liturgy will attempt to answer the questions: Where have we come
from? Where are we going? How far can we go?
Armenian Church 2006 will begin with an optional Hrashapar Service,
Friday, December 1, 7:00 pm at St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn, MI. The
main program will begin on Saturday, December 2 at 3:00 pm and
conclude on Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 pm. The two-day gathering
will also feature a dinner with Vehapar and a concert by renowned
Christian vocalist Salpi Keleshian. Anyone who is interested may
attend a Hrashapar service on Friday evening currently scheduled for
7:00 pm at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Dearborn, MI.
Armenian Church 2006 will take place at the Hyatt Regency in
Detroit. Aram Hovagimian said on behalf of the Steering Committee,
“We encourage participants to sign up early and make their travel
arrangements soon.” A special hotel rate of $99 per night has been
negotiated. A $40 registration fee will include dinner on Saturday
evening and lunch on Sunday afternoon. Further details about the
program as well as a registration form are available at
Armenian Church 2006 is being sponsored by the Prelacies of the
Eastern and Western United States and the Prelacy of Canada.

ZORYAN INSTITUTE OF CANADA, INC
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807 Fax: 416-512-1736
E-mail: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: George Shirinian
DATE: October, 16 2006
Tel: 416-250-9807
The United Nations’ University for Peace Partners with Zoryan Institute
in Major International Conference
A major, international High Level Expert’s Forum, titled “Capacity
Building for Peace and Development: Roles of Diaspora,” is taking place
in Toronto on October 19 and 20, 2006, sponsored by the University for
Peace, a United Nations-mandated agency, in partnership with the Zoryan
Institute. The Forum will assemble over 70 international experts and
leaders to reflect on the potential of diasporas to support, engage
in and mobilize towards peace-building and development.
The keynote speaker at the opening plenary session will be
H.E. Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, President, UN General Assembly
61st Session. The Foreign Minister for Armenia, H.E. Vartan Oskanian,
will speak at the Second Plenary Session. The opening speeches
will be followed by five concurrent workshops, which will examine
in depth the roles played and strategies used by various diasporan
groups to strengthen peace-building and promote development in their
countries of origin. The case studies focus on Afghanistan, Armenia,
China, Colombia, and Ethiopia. The participants in the Armenian
workshop will include Prof. Khachig Tololyan of Wesleyan University,
who is the editor of Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies
co-published by the Zoryan Institute, and Dr. Razmik Panossian,
who is Director of Policy, Programs and Planning at Rights and
Democracy in Montreal. Also participating in the conference will be
senior representatives of the Canadian government, policy-makers,
representatives of NGO’s and scholars.
As communities worldwide have begun to focus more systematically
on how to harness diversity as an asset rather than a liability,
there has been increased interest from many quarters in tapping the
creativity, energy and resources of diasporas to build peace and
promote development.
“Not only is there a growing recognition of Diasporas as effective
agents of peace and development in their home countries, but also a
nuanced understanding of Diaspora is increasingly being recognized
as fundamental to comprehending the multicultural fabric of Canada,
the United States and other host countries,” stated Torrey Swan,
the Zoryan Institute’s Project Manger for the conference, “as today
there are over 190 million migrants worldwide.”
The Chair of the conference, Ambassador Mohamed Sahnoun, who is Special
Advisor to the Secretary-General of the UN on Africa and Vice-President
of the Council of the University, has stated, “The role of diasporas
in peace-building, good governance, and economic development processes
is an issue that I regard as significant, timely, and warranting more
global attention. We are delighted to be convening this expert forum
in Canada, which has played a pivotal role historically in fostering
open debate on critical issues of international peace and development.”
“We are very pleased to be working with the University for Peace in
the realization of this conference,” stated K.M. (Greg) Sarkissian,
President of the Zoryan Institute. For twenty-five years we have
operated with the conviction that the potential of the Armenian
Diaspora would be greatly enhanced though comparative study and
dialogue with other diasporas. This high level expert’s forum is
an excellent opportunity for Zoryan to continue to expand its reach
beyond academia and share information and knowledge with many other
experts and policy-makers.”
The Zoryan Institute, parent organization of the International
Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, and co-publisher of
Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies and Genocide Studies and
Prevention: An International Journal. It is the first non-profit,
international center devoted to the research and documentation of
contemporary issues with a focus on Armenian social, political and
cultural life, but with the concern for the human rights of all.

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail:[email protected]
Fo r Immediate Release
October 17, 2006
Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Armenia Visits Canada
Ottawa-Vartan Oskanian, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of
Armenia, will make an official visit to Ottawa on October 18 and meet with
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Peter MacKay to discuss
Canada-Armenia bilateral relations.
To honour His Excellency Vartan Oskanian, Gary Goodyear, (MP – Cambridge)
and Chairman of Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, in
cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Ottawa, and the
Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), will host a luncheon/meeting
for the House of Commons and Senate of Canada members.
More than 75 joint economic ventures already exist between the two
countries. Many Canadian companies now operate in Armenia. Recently, Dundee
Precious Metals Inc. acquired 80% of an Armenian mining company for US$22
million.
The 125-year-old Canadian Armenian Community is a vibrant and growing
community with significant presence in all major cities across Canada. Over
2,500 Canadians visit Armenia a year-on business or for pleasure. This
number is expected to rise sharply in the next few years.
Participating in peace-keeping activities are among the priorities of the
Republic of Armenia which presently is involved in peace-keeping missions
in Kosovo and in Iraq. The government of Armenia is also anxious to learn
from the Canadian experience in these fields.
According to international organizations, Armenia is one of the most
progressive countries of the former Soviet Union in introducing, economic
liberalization, political freedom, freedom of speech and of press freedom.
Enhancement of relations between Canada and Armenia will benefit both
countries.
His Excellency Vartan Oskanian itinerary:
October 17, 2006 Arrival in Ottawa
October 18, 12:00 -2:00 pm: Luncheon/meeting, Room 601 of the Parliamentary
Restaurant, Centre Block.
October 18, 5:00 pm Meeting the Hon. Peter MacKay
#
For media inquiries please contact:
Kelly Williams, Gary Goodyear- MP Office. Tel. (613) 996-1307
Aris Babikian, ANCC Office. Tel. (613) 235-2622
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
October 18, 2006
Feast of the Holy Translators and
Presentation of the Album of Armenian Paleography in Holy Etchmiadzin
The Feast of the Holy Translators, one of the most beloved and celebrated
days among the Armenians, was noted with special significance in the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin this year.  On Saturday, October 14, the Armenian
translation of the “Album of Armenian Paleography” was officially unveiled
and presented to the public in the headquarters of the Armenian Church.  The
event took place in the Pontifical Residence of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the
presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians.
The original English language version of the album was published by the
Aarhus University Press in Denmark in 2002.  The editors of this definitive
work are Professors Michael E. Stone, Dickran Kouymjian and Henning
Lehmann.  The album comprehensively studies and interprets ancient forms of
Armenian writing.
On the occasion of the 1600th Anniversary of the Creation of the Armenian
Alphabet, His Holiness Karekin II authorized the “Karekin I Armenological &
Theological Center” of Holy Etchmiadzin to pursue the Armenian translation
of this seminal work with the goal of having it published by the Mother
See.  The primary benefactor for the publication of the Armenian translation
of the album is the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund (USA).
The translation and editing work of the Armenian version was accomplished
through the endeavors of Aram Topchian and Gohar Muradian, researchers at
the “Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran” Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in
Yerevan; and Azat Bozoyan, Director of the “Karekin I Armenological &
Theological Center”.  The album was published by the Tigran Mets Publishing
House.
As the ceremony began, Azat Bozoyan welcomed the attendees and expressed his
gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians for the creation of this
important contribution to Armenian culture and science.  He noted the
significance of continuing the mission of the Mother See in publishing
similar works, which were initiated by Karekin Hovsepiants of blessed memory
(later Catholicos of Cilicia) in 1913 in Holy Etchmiadzin.
On behalf of the authors, Professor Dickran Kouymjian, Chair of the
Department of Armenian Studies at California State University in Fresno,
spoke on the history of the nearly three-year process of creating the
Armenian translation of the album.  He conveyed the appreciation and
gratitude of the authors to the Pontiff of All Armenians for his support and
sponsorship in publishing the work.
The event concluded with His Holiness Karekin II addressing those present
with his message of blessing.  The Armenian Pontiff expressed his
appreciation to the authors, translators and editors for their devoted and
conscientious work.  He also specifically thanked M. Haigentz of the Dolores
Zohrab Liebmann Fund for their generous financial gift, as well as Vrezh
Markosian, Director of the Tigran Mets Publishing House, for the diligent
efforts of his entire staff.  His Holiness highly evaluated the role of both
the English and Armenian versions of the album in the sphere of Armenian
Studies, noting, “This work will have the most important significance for
researchers and scientists engaged in the history of the Armenian characters
(letters), Armenian art and culture.  We are confident that the joint
volumes, which complement one another, will greatly serve the study of our
manuscripts and ancient writings by Armenians and non-Armenians alike.”
In attendance for the ceremony were members of the Brotherhood of Holy
Etchmiadzin, members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, professors and
lecturers of the Gevorkian and Vaskenian Theological Seminaries, and
scientists, intellectuals, and artists from throughout Armenia.  Throughout
the evening, musical presentations of Bach, Komitas, and Babadjanian were
performed by the string quartet of the Armenian Chamber Orchestra.
##
–Boundary_(ID_13gV04RQDPn8SxarVrE zRw)–

ZORYAN INSTITUTE OF CANADA, INC.
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807 Fax: 416-512-1736
E-mail: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: George Shirinian
DATE: October, 16 2006
Tel: 416-250-9807
Zoryan Awarded Encyclical from His Holiness Karekin II for 25 years
of Service
Toronto, Canada- His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians,
has awarded the Zoryan Institute an Encyclical “in recognition of 25
years of service to the Armenian people.” Honouring the Institute on
this occasion, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada organized
a banquet held on October 7, 2006 in the Great Hall of Hart House at
the University of Toronto.
The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Berge Papazian, graciously opened the
celebration by highlighting the uniqueness of Zoryan’s work and
the admiration that Armenians worldwide have for the Institute’s
achievements.
He added that this was manifested by “the participation of all 18
Toronto region Armenian organizations – Churches, cultural groups
and political parties, a testament of their genuine support.”
Mr. Ara Boyajian, the Diocese Council Treasurer and one of lead
organizers of the evening, explained the rationale for this initiative
by saying there is “only one organization with a unique mission,
only one organization not duplicating the good work of others,
doing behind-the-scenes academic work open to all, in the pursuit
of universal human rights.” He commended “Zoryan for its unwavering
dedication and its uncompromising stand towards national and global
issues, and its relentless efforts to increase awareness on issues of
genocide prevention and human rights violations.” His remarks were
followed by Mr. Jack Stepanian, Chair of the Diocese Council, who
presented an informative overview of Zoryan’s activities, publications
and achievements over the past twenty-five years, which drew sustained
applause from the audience.
In expressing his appreciation for Zoryan’s universal approach,
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Primate of Canada, said to
the audience, “My friends, is it not God’s amazing grace that you,
as the descendants of a massacred race, have grown ever strong to the
extent that now you are not only discussing your own pain but more
importantly, through the Zoryan Institute, are standing up to defend
and help prevent similar crimes occurring today to our fellow man,
regardless of his race, colour, or religion? This is what we have
become as a people.” He then presented the official Encyclical from
His Holiness Karekin II, which was received by Zoryan’s Director
of Genocide Research, Professor Vakahan Dadrian, and President,
Mr. K.M. Greg Sarkissian.
The Chairman of Zoryan’s Academic Board, Professor Roger W. Smith,
was unable to attend, but he sent his regards saying that “It has
been my great pleasure to be associated with Zoryan for over twenty
years. Zoryan has been an inspiration and encouragement for me and
many others to pursue research on genocide.. Its focus is on the
Armenian Community, but its concern is for the human rights of all.”
Professor Dadrian took the opportunity to state that “as someone
who has spent a half-century in the academic world, I think that we
desperately need to move from description of events of the tragedy
of genocide to analytical studies of the Armenian Genocide. This. is
the reason why I am affiliated with the Zoryan Institute. (It) is the
only institution that is intent on exploring the Armenian Genocide in
a scientific frame of reference. Zoryan needs encouragement, but above
all complete tangible support.” He “thinks the Armenian community,
in the Diaspora in particular, should come to terms with the acute
need of (Armenian Genocide) studies that have gravity and seriousness
in order for the Armenian Genocide to achieve its durability as a
major event in modern history.”
In acknowledging the honour bestowed by the Diocese, Mr. Sarkissian
stressed that “no single person can claim recognition for this
honour.it goes to all the many, many people who have helped make
the Institute what it is today, including the founders, academic
specialists, strategists, financial supporters and hundreds of
volunteers worldwide, who believe in the concept of the Zoryan
Institute and contribute to it realization.”
One such specialist, Professor Stephen Feinstein, Director of the
University of Minnesota’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies,
one of Zoryan’s academic partners, observed that “the result of our
relationship with the Zoryan Institute over the last six years has
been the training of more than 200 teachers and advanced students in
the history and methodologies of genocide and human rights. But it
is important to remember that neither private nor public universities
will fund these programs on their own.
Teaching and research about the Armenian Genocide does not come
free. To maintain scholarship and memory, not only funding but
endowments are necessary, so the past remains in the present.”
He was followed by Professor Yair Auron, who remarked that “I first
met Zoryan at the genocide conference in Yerevan in 1995. There were
lectures not only about the Armenian Genocide, but also about other
genocides. It was there I realized that there are a people whose
genocide, though unfortunately not recognized, have the openness to
deal with other genocides. Why couldn’t we do that in Israel? The
legacy of the Holocaust and the Genocide, for me, is the sanctity and
equity of all human lives, be they Jewish, German, Armenian, Turkish,
Tutsi, Roma-Gypsy or Palestinian. It seems to me that in the Zoryan
Institute, I have found people who share these views.”
Next to speak was Professor Taner Akcam. He told the receptive audience
that “Facing the truth about our history is an essential ingredient
for the establishment of human rights and democracy in Turkey, where
Genocide recognition is the most critical part of that process.. After
90 years of denial, there is a total lack of knowledge. This denial,
which is contrary to the interests of the Turkish people, must be
broken. This could happen if Turkish society is empowered with the
knowledge it is now so eagerly seeking.Original and authoritative
documents about what happened in 1915 must be collected, translated,
edited, published and made available to Turkish society.. Zoryan is
at the forefront of this field on all levels.
That is why my Center at the University of Minnesota and I cooperate
with Zoryan.”
Upon concluding dinner, Zoryan’s Executive Director, George Shirinian,
commented “that Zoryan’s work is for all of us, scholar and lay
person, Armenian and non-Armenian, old and young alike. Its work is
often focused on the past, but its goal is our future. Our programs
are designed to help develop the next generation of thinkers, and I
ask everyone present to join us in investing in our youth to carry
the torch of the Smiths, Dadrians, Akcams, Aurons and others for the
betterment of our world.”
During the cutting of the birthday cake, one such youth, Zoryan staff
member, Torrey Swan, who also turned twenty-five this year, said that
“Since I have been at Zoryan, I have been amazed to see the real
work that it takes for the academic resources I took for granted as a
university student to become available. As a Canadian in the largest
city in Canada, the most multicultural city in the world, I truly
feel at home in an organization like Zoryan, which is dedicated to the
universal preservation of human rights and the prevention of genocide.”

October 18, 2006
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
WESTERN PRELACY ANNOUNCES BOARD OF REGENTS APPOINTMENTS
His Eminence Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the Executive
Council of the Western Prelacy are pleased to announce the new
appointment of members to the Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools.
The newly appointed Board of Regents consists of the following members:
Dr. Armine Hacopian
Mrs. Sossi Hovsepian
Mrs. Marisa Sarian
Mr. Avo Kechichian
Dr. Vartkes Tomassian
Mr. Chris Keosian
Mr. Ara Bedrosian
Mr. George Chorbajian
Mr. Mark Guedikian.
On Monday, October 16, at the presence of Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian,
Vice-Chair of the Executive Council and Representative to the Board
of Regents, the new Board convened its first meeting, during which
the election of the divan took place. The new divan is as follows:
Mr. Avo Kechichian Chairman
Dr. Armine Hacopian Secretary
Mr. Mark Guedikian Treasurer
The Prelate and Executive Council congratulate the new members of
the Board of Regents and divan, wishing them success in their daily
endeavors as they guide the new generation of Armenian students.
SECRETARIAT, WESTERN PRELACY
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENPAC, The Armenian-American Political Action Committee
421 E. Airport Freeway, Suite 201
Irving, Texas 75220
Contact: Jason P. Capizzi, Esq.
Tel: (972) 635-5347
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
ARMENPAC MEETS HIGH-LEVEL LEADERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION IN THE WEEKS
APPROACHING THE MID-TERM ELECTIONS
Irving, TX – ARMENPAC recently attended several exclusive events in
support of various congressional leaders and had the rare opportunity
to meet with several key members of the Administration. Most notably,
ARMENPAC discussed Armenian-American issues with United States
President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, and Department of
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
“Engaging in these meetings during the weeks approaching the mid-term
elections sends a clear message to our country’s leaders that
the Armenian-American community is politically active and supports
candidates who champion pro-Armenian and Nagorno Karabakh initiatives,”
said ARMENPAC Co-Chair Annie Totah.
ARMENPAC Co-Chair Edgar Hagopian had the opportunity to speak with
United States President George W. Bush while at an event for United
States Senate Candidate Michael Bouchard (R-MI). ARMENPAC Co-Chair
Hagopian updated the President on the current political and economic
conditions in Armenia, and encouraged the Administration to foster
stronger ties with Armenia. “Armenia has and will continue to achieve
economic prosperity; Her Westward-looking government sets Her apart
as a leader and steadfast Western ally among a number of tumultuous
governments in the South Caucasus region,” said ARMENPAC Co-Chair
Edgar Hagopian. Mr. Hagopian also took advantage of the opportunity
to express the Armenian-American community’s desire that the United
States reaffirm its record on the Armenian Genocide and that the
President uphold his yet unfulfilled campaign promise and properly
recognize this tragedy.
ARMENPAC Co-Chair Annie Totah recently discussed various issues with
First Lady Laura Bush, including the educating of our youth, while at
an event for America’s Fund for Afghan Children. ARMENPAC applauds
the First Lady’s support of domestic and global literacy initiatives.
“The future of America and the rest of the world depends on our
youth; the Administration’s Global Literacy Initiative is a step in
the right direction to ensure world-wide progress and success,” said
ARMENPAC Co-Chair Annie Totah. Mrs. Totah pointed out to the First
Lady that 99.98% of Armenia’s population is literate, and stressed
the continued need for United States support as Armenia continues to
implement initiatives toward economic success and democratic stability
in the region.
While at a Gala for American Friends of Lubavitch, ARMENPAC Co-Chair
Annie Totah and ARMENPAC Executive Director Jason Capizzi met Secretary
of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff. ARMENPAC commended Secretary
Chertoff on his efforts to combat terrorism, and reiterated that
Armenia has been an ally of the United States in the war against
terror. The Department of Homeland Security, under the leadership of
Secretary Chertoff, has been instrumental in enhancing border security
and controlling widespread illegal immigration. “It is important for
the Armenian-American community to support initiatives that create
peace, security, and stability in the Caucasus region and the United
States,” said ARMENPAC Co-Chair Annie Totah.
It is critical for the Armenian-American community to support
ARMENPAC’s efforts to attend and represent Armenian-American issues at
events in support of pro-Armenian congresspersons. ARMENPAC’s ongoing
presence at such events sparks recognition among congressional and
administration leaders, and eases the burden of garnering their
support on issues of importance to the Armenian-American community
when they arise.
ARMENPAC is an independent, bipartisan political action committee
with a nationwide membership. ARMENPAC raises awareness of,
and advocates for, policies that help create peace, security and
stability in the Caucasus region. ARMENPAC provides financial support
to federal officeholders, candidates, political action committees
and organizations that actively support issues of importance to
Armenian-Americans. For more information and how to join ARMENPAC,
please call (877) 286-1046 or visit our website.
###

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
CHAIR MAN OF THE ARMENIAN LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S CENTRAL COMMITTEE
VISITS HIS HOLINESS
The chairman of the Armenian Liberal Democratic Party’s Central Committee,
Mr. Mike Kharabian, visited His Holiness Aram I on October 16 along with the
chairman of the party’s committee in Lebanon, Mr. Babayan.
The party leader and His Holiness discussed various issues related to
Armenia and the Diaspora and their mutual relations, particularly in light
of the third Armenia-Diaspora conference convened recently in Yerevan.
The Catholicos stressed the importance of the united approach by the three
Armenian political parties towards the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
He expressed satisfaction for the efforts exerted to this effect until now.
He also emphasized the importance of creating harmony inside Armenian
communities and assembling around pan national values and concern.
Mr. Kharabian affirmed the readiness of the Armenian Liberal Democratic
Party to contribute to the achievement of Armenian national goals, the
strengthening of Armenia and Armenian national unity.
##
View photo here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

FIDE PRESIDENT APPRECIATES ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES EFFORTS ‘TOWARD CHESS DEVELOPMENT’
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 18 2006
YEREVAN, October 17. /ARKA/. President of the Federation Internationale
des Echecs (International Chess Federation – FIDE), President of
Kalmykia Kyrsan Ilumzhinov appreciates the Armenian authorities’
efforts toward the development of chess. At his meeting with RA
President Robert Kocharyan and President of the Chess Federation
of Armenia, RA Minister of Defense Serge Sargsyan he stated that
serious attention on the part of the country’s authorities produces
good results – Armenian chess-players’ achievements. Ilumzhinov said
that in FIDE rating Armenia ranks 4th among 165 countries.
In his turn, President Robert Kocharyan pointed out that the Armenian
chess-players’ great achievements have recently inspired many people
and added to the popularity of chess.
During the meeting, Ilumzhinov, Kocharyan and Sargsyan exchanged
views on further development of chess in Armenia, addressing the
possibility of optional training in schools.
Kyrsan Ilumzhinov is in Yerevan to take part in the world junior
championship held in Armenia on October 2-16, 2006. 17-year-old Zaven
Andreasyan (Armenia) won the championship.